The effects of trauma can reverberate long after the traumatic experience is over.

 

Traumatic events can overwhelm your ability to cope, leaving you feeling anxious, fearful, angry, depressed, or numb. Traumatic stress can cause you worry, overthink, lose sleep, and have trouble focusing. It can strain your relationships and affect your ability to trust and feel safe. If your trauma has left you feeling stuck, hopeless, or defeated, know that help is available. 

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Trauma therapy can help

 

Trauma comes in many forms - a physically or emotionally abusive relationship, a physical accident such as a car accident, rape or sexual assault, the sudden loss of a loved one, violence, war, natural disasters, and others. When you experience trauma, your world can change almost instantly. Many trauma survivors have a hard time feeling safe and secure. They begin to feel anxiety and depression, have trouble sleeping, and may experience other behavioral changes that are frightening to them and their loved ones. They may have flashbacks, nightmares, or panic attacks. They may become hyper-vigilant and feel as if they have to be on high alert for danger at all times. Trauma therapy can help address the symptoms of traumatic stress and improve your day-to-day functioning. 

 

How Does Trauma Therapy Work?

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When you have experienced trauma and begin to see some of the symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), it’s time to explore treatment so you can begin healing. The idea of therapy can feel scary and overwhelming to people with PTSD, mainly because they need to have a sense of total control to feel safe.

But trauma therapy is really something that can empower you. With the help of a caring and qualified therapist, you can begin to process past events, stripping them of their power.

 

I offer multiple forms of trauma therapy so that we can find the treatment approach that works best for you. Trauma therapy has the potential to change the way your brain works through what is called neuroplasticity. Neuroplasticity simply means our brains and neural pathways (how we think and feel) are malleable. Through specific mental health tools and strategies, we can retrain our brains to let go of the fear and begin to heal.

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Some of the goals of trauma therapy are:

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• To safely process the traumatic event

• To eliminate the symptoms of trauma

• To improve day-to-day functioning

• To regain your personal power

• To obtain the skills and tools to prevent relapse

 

If you or a loved one are living with PTSD, it’s important to recognize the symptoms and seek help. Life does not have to continue to be scary or overwhelming. 

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While I cannot go back in time to change the past, I can help you heal from the pain and get back to building a life you love. 

 

I have specialized training and expertise in therapy for PTSD and other trauma-related concerns. I know it is essential to find the right fit between client and treatment approach, and that is why I am trained in the five most effective, science-based treatments for PTSD and trauma-related disorders. Together, we can find the best type of therapy for you so you can heal from the past and build a meaningful path forward. Some of the evidence-based treatment approaches I offer are: 

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• Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) - EMDR is a revolutionary and highly effective therapy for trauma and PTSD, and it is also effective in treating a variety of other concerns, such as anxiety, panic, phobias, and grief. Learn more
   

• Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT) - CPT is a highly effective, short-term treatment for PTSD and trauma-related disorders that helps you to identify and challenge the thoughts, beliefs, and behaviors that keep you stuck. The length of CPT treatment varies, but many people complete it in 12, 50-minute sessions over 6 to 12 weeks. It can also be completed in an intensive format of 10 sessions over 2 weeks. Learn more
   

• Written Exposure Therapy (WET) - WET is a highly effective, short-term therapy that has helped many people find relief from PTSD symptoms in a few as 5 sessions. During treatment sessions, you will write about your thoughts and feelings related to your traumatic experience, and then you will process your writing experience with your therapist. Many people complete WET treatment in 5 weekly sessions lasting approximately 50 minutes each.
   

• Prolonged Exposure (PE) - PE is a highly effective, short-term treatment for PTSD that helps you gradually and safely approach the trauma-related memories and triggers that you have been avoiding. PE consists of 8 to 15 weekly or twice-weekly therapy sessions lasting 80-90 minutes each. Learn more
   

• CBCT (couples therapy for PTSD) - Cognitive Behavioral Conjoint Therapy (CBCT) is an effective, short-term therapy for couples where one or both partners has symptoms of PTSD. It aims to reduce PTSD symptoms and improve relationship functioning at the same time. CBCT can be done with a romantic partner, family member, or any other significant relationship where one or both of you have symptoms of PTSD. CBCT consists of 16 weekly therapy sessions lasting 80 minutes each. Learn more

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In addition to the above treatment methods, I often incorporate Internal Family Systems (IFS or "parts work") and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) into my trauma work. 
 

I think I'm ready for trauma therapy. What's my next step? 

 

Deciding to start therapy is an important step toward feeling better and reclaiming your life. Click the button below to contact me or to schedule a free 15-minute video call.